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(No Model.) 3 sheets-esheet l J. H. HARTI NG TURN TABLE FOB. RAILWAYS.

No. 606,544. Patented 1.111152 1898.

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' J. H. HARTING. TURN TABLE FOR BAILWAYS.

No. 606,544. Patented June 28, 1898.

U NITED. STAT-Es PATENT union.

JOHN H. HARTING, ()F INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA.

TU RN-TAB LE FOR RAILWAYS.

. ..ISPEGIFICATION formingpa'rt of Letters Patent 1\lo.606,54fl, dated June 28, 1898.

I v Application filed. August 18, 1897. Serial No. 648,623. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JOHN H. HARTING, a citizen of the United States, residing at Indianapolis, in the county of Marion and State of Indiana,have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Turn-Tables for Railways; and I do declare. the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, suchas will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompany-j ing drawings, and to the letters and figures of reference marked thereon, which form apart of this specification. Y

My invention relates to that class of turntables that are designed to be used more particularly for turninglocomotive-engines and cars at railway-shops or engine-houses and are commonly known as roundhouse turntables; and it consists in' certain novel devices by means of which turn-tables may be actuated by compressedair or steam as amo-' tive force and operated automatically electrically.

It further consists in'the parts and combinationof parts, which will be more fully described hereinafter and pointed out in the claims. v

The objects of my invention are to provide a turn-table which may be cheaply, quickly, and positively operated automatically by the one man whose usual duty it is to move the 10- comotives in and out of the roundhouse and turn them around and who is usually termed the hostler, thus dispensing with a large amount of manual labor, which is a source of constant expense in turning locomotives and housing them at terminals.

A further object is to provide such a turntable as shall be adapted to be under the full control of a specially -designated operator, who would be responsible for accidents due to carelessness. r

My objectsare fully attained in my invention, which, while inexpensive forequipnient, is durable-and economical in' use.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 represents a side elevation of a turn-table embodying myinvention Fig. 2, a plan View; Fig. 3, an end View, partly in section; Fig. 4, a detail of the swivel-joint, and Fig. 5 a detail f view'of thelatch and automatic operatingvalve for same.

In the drawings, A designates the turn-table; D, the supporting-center; O, the circular pit; E, the circular rack anchored in the pit; F, the track for supporting the ends of the table; G, the end rollers 0f the table; B, the bulkhead around the pit; a, the air-'res-' ervoir; T,the operating-cylinder; U,the arch; V, the main air-valve; \V, the latch-valve; X,jthe electric valve-motor; Y, the swiveljoint, and 2'the battery.

In constructing my invention I employ a turn-table of any design of structure desired, such as are commonly used, to which I apply mydevices for its operation. Isecure foundation-beams U beneath the table transversely, upon which I erecta suitable arch U for supporting the various apparatus required. The arch is so constructed that while furnishing adequate support it is slightly flexible, so that the inevitable tilting of the table shall not inj ure the 'metallic pipe connections on top. Therack is provided with strong gear-teeth and is circular, extending around the pit, to the bottom of which it is suitably anchored, and is of suitable diameter to correspond to the length of the table. In the face of the bulkhead around the pit at each approaching track is a pocket 32 to receive the latch-bolt.

I provide a cylinder T of suitable diameter and length, which is secured to the frame of the turn-table by suitable brackets T. Each end of the cylinder has a port-opening con-. nected by port-pipes h at one end and g at the opposite end. The end T is closed, as is also the end T but the head of the latter end has a central opening provided with a suitable packing around the piston-rod S, which Works through the opening in the usual manbly, to which is secured a pinion Q, meshing with the rack-bar, and a chain-wheel P, over which runs a power-transmitting chain 0,

connecting with the chain-wheel N, the latter being secured to the shaft M, which is suitably journaled and mounted 011 the table. The opposite end of this shaft has secured to it a bevel gear-wheel Ill, meshing with a similar wheel I, secured to a suitablyqnounted vertical rotating shaft 03. To the latter is secured a gear wheel K, meshing with a smaller wheel or pinion .I,which is secured to the journaled shaft I, supported upon the bracket I. The large gear-wheel II is secured to the lower end of the shaft I and meshes with the teeth of the rack E. This train of gearing is usually so designed that a full stroke of the piston in the cylinder will cause the end A of the table to traverse the complete circle, more or less, according to the proportions of the gear-wheels relative to the length of the cylinder.

The reservoir a is usually placed at the side of the table opposite the cylinder and is adapted to contain a supply of compressed air to feed the cylinder when in operation and is supplied through a pipe Z), leading from a suitable compressorlocated at any convenient point to the swivel-joint Y, thence by a pipe (l, suitably situated. A steam-pipe c 6 also follows the course of the air-pipes and may terminate in a steam-jacket about the cylinder to prevent freezing of the condensation in the air-pipes and cylinderin cold weather, or, if desired, suit-able connections may be made with the steam-pipes, so as to use steam asa motive force instead of compressed air. The platform 9" is attached to the arch and supports the operating devices in a place con venient to be reached by the operator without leaving the locomotive. A suitable cover y is provided, encasing the machinery. The valve IV may, if desired, be situated below within the frame of the table, as it acts automatically. The battery 2 of suitable power is supplied for each circuit, one of which leads from a convenient point at the side of each stall or track in the rou ndho use and elsewhere, the wires being connected, and thence leading to the swivel-joint on top of the arch, thence to the electric motor X,which may be of any suitable reversible design. For the purpose of illustration but one circuit 4 and 5 is shown. The open-circuit system is preferably used, and at a convenient point to be reached from the locomotive is located a circuit-closer 0 and a circuit-reverser 3, the latter to be used in reversing the motion of the motor.

An air-supply pipe F leads from the reservoir to the valve V, which may be of any suitable design adapted to close ports leading to the pipes g and h and to open the same alternately, as desired, and to permit the escape of exhaust-air therefrom. I preferably use the well-known form of D-valve in a suitable chest and operate it by a connectingstem 29, having exterior screw-threads passing through the center of a threaded wormwheel 28, suitably mounted. The latter is actuated by contact with the worm 27 on the shaft of the motor. Supplemental pipes g It lead from the pipe F around the valve V and connect to the pipes g It, respectively, and at the point of branching is a three-way cock '2', to be operated by hand, when desired, independently of the motor and valve V, to admit air to the cylinder T and release it therefrom.

It maybe of anyof the common forms known in railroad practice.

The swivel-joint Y is situated centrally above the turn-table and is supported upon the arch U, so that its lower portion and connected pipes and wires turn around with the table, while its upper portion and connected pipes and wires remain stationary, so held by the pipes which are suitablyanchored above thebulkheadortoadjacentbuildings. Itconsists of a base 13, adapted to be seen red to the arch, and has a packing-box 25, provided with a gland 15, by which packing may be retained. The air-pipe d and steam-pipe e are secured to the base, the lattercentrally. The case]? is secured centrally upon the base by suitable screw-bolts passing through the flange 26. The top of the case has a central aperture through which the tube 9 passes loosely. The interior of the case is preferably lined with a bushing l-i, composed of non-corrosive metal. The top of the case has a ball-race filled with bearing-balls 11, which are covered by the adjustable collar 8, having acor responding ball-race in its under side. This collar is secured to the tube 0 and carries an overhanging arm '7, to which is suitably attached the wires 4. and 5, and it is provided with contact-brushes 21 and 23, insulated and having electrical contact with the wires. Around the case is secured insulated magnetic rings 22 and 24:, to which are attached the continuing circuit-wires, leading thence to the motor X, the brushes and rings forming an insulated circuit through the swiveljoint. A plate 16 is secured to the tube 9 near its lower end and has at its upper side a circular ball-race filled with bearing-balls 20. lelow the plate is a packing 17, held sccurely against turning by a plate 18 and threaded nut If). Above the collar 8 is an L Z, secured to the to of the tube 9,and through it passes the steam-pipe C, which has an elbow or bend above and terminates in the packing-box 25 in alinement with the pipe 6. The exterior of the lower end of the pipe 0 in the packing-box is smooth and true, and the pipe in passing through the tube 9 forms an annular air-passage 10, connecting with the pipe I). In operation the steam passes through the center, while the compressed air enters through the passage 10 to the interior of the case below the packing and out through the pipe (Z. The pressure expands the packing 17, preventing the escape of air through the top of the case around the tube). The hearing balls 20 receive the upward pressure against the packing, eliminating the friction when rotating.

The latch '10 is composed of a flat bar havthe head 34 of the air-cylinder u. The pis-- ton-rod has a packed head 37,working in the cylinder, and a follower-plate 38,against which one'end of a spring 39 is seated, while its opposite end presses against the inside of the bottom of the cylinder, the latter having a central guid e-hole through which the rear end 40 of the latch-bar works. The front portion 33 of the cylinder is supplied with compressed air through th e pipe Z, connected at its opposite end to the latch-valve W, which in turn is connected by air-pipesm and n to the pipes ganqd g, respectively, leading to the cylin- The latch-valve W comprises a small cylinder 41, having like heads 47 and 48 at the ends. Each head has at the inside a short cylinder open at the inner end, as 49 and 50, and a passage, as or 61, through pipe 62 leads therefrom to the atmosphere. Each cylinder has a valve-seat 58 at the bottom around the pipe-opening corresponding to the valve 56 or 57, which are also constructed as packed pistons, filling the small cylinder and adapted to close the ports 59 and 60 and 61 in the walls, of the small cylinders. The piston 51 is packed and is adapted to close the port42 and is connected by a suitable stem to the small piston 56. The opposite side of piston 51 has a hollow stem 53, around which is a spiral spring 54, seated between the pistons 51 and 52, which normally hold the piston-valves 56 and 57 to their seats. Piston 52 is connected to piston 57 by a suitable stem and at the opposite side has a stem 55,adapted to slip freely into the hollow stem 53, the

end of the latter, being a stop-gage against the opposite piston. Piston 52 is adapted to normally close port 43, which terminates .as port 42, a branch 44 extending to the pipe Z. Connected to the branch 44 isan exhaustvalve comprising the chamber 25, having an outlet 46 and containing a valve 45, suitably seated and normally held open against atmospheric pressure by a suitably-arranged spring. This exhaust-valve may be of any suitable form of construction to perform the described functions and may be located at any point in the line of the pipe'l, in some cases being preferably near the cylinder to.

The various parts of my. invention are constructed of such material as may be best suited for the various parts, metal being chiefly used.

In practical use the operator throws the lever of the current-reverser 3 to start the electric motor X in the proper direction, as may be determined by suitable indicators con veniently arranged, to admit compressed air from the reservoir a to either endjof the cylinder T desired, which sets the piston therein in motion, and consequently the train of gearing, thus moving the table radially in either direction. Assuming that air is admitted by the valve V to the port-pipe h, it passes to the end T of the cylinder, where it meets resistance, the pressure forcing air into the pipe m and unseating the valve 56 in the cylinder 41, the air passing throughthe ports 59 and meeting the greater area of piston 51 pushes it beyond and opens port-42, at the same time closing port 60, while the opposite pistons remain in the position as shown in Fig. 5, normally closing the passages. The air then passes out through pipe Z and into the latch-cylinder u, the pressure first closing valve 45 and then forcing the piston 37 back against the pressure of the 'sprin g 39 withdraws the latch from the pocket 32. All this is done almost simultaneously, and the table is thus released and allowed to move. When approaching the desired track, the air-supplyis out off by reversing the motion of the motor and valve actuated by it, and the air by the same valve released from the cylinder T or partly so, removing the pressure, so that the valve 45 opens and further augments the discharge of air from the latch-cylinder u, allowing the spring to push the latch into the approached pocket, thus locking the table automatically. At the same time the spring 54 pushes the piston 51 over the port 42, opens port 60, and closes the opening to pipe m. A reverse operation at the opposite end of cylinder T actuates the opposite end of latch-valve W similarly. Should it be desired,the table may be operated by manipulating manually the air-cook 'i, which may be adapted to perform the same functions as the valve V independently of it.

It is obvious that many minor changes and modifications in the details of construction may be made without departing from the spirit'and intent of myinvention, such as substituting other air-valves or parts for those shown, as it is not essential how they are particularly constructed so long as they perform the desired functions, many known forms being'applicable. In lieu of the cylinder I may use any other suitable fluid-pressure motor or engine and adapt the gearing thereto. Myturn-table may also be adapted for a swinging bridge when desired.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. An electropneu matic turn-table com prising the table suitably mounted, the arch thereon, a swivel-joint mounted upon the arch by which fluid under pressure maybe conducted through pipes from a supply plant to all parts of said table while in motion or while at any point of its revolution about its center and by which an electrical circuit may be likewise conducted from any exterior point to any point upon the table while in motion, a motor on said table adapted to be operated by fluidpressure and controlled by electric current ring acting upon a suitable electric motor and controlling-valve, a latch to secure said table in afixed position and means by which it may be controlled automatically, and a suitable fluid-pressure engine by means of which said table may be rotated, substantially as described for the purposes set forth.

2. The combination of the table, a main motor thereon adapted to use fluid'pressure and to transmit power whereby said table may be rotated, an arch on said table having a central point elevated above the center of said table under which a locomotive may pass, a swivel-joint having substantiallyan upper part immovably fixed and a lower part fixed to said arch and adapted to rotate with relation to said upper part, said swivel-joint being adapted to convey fluid under pressure by means of suitable pipes from a fixed point exterior to said table to various parts of said table while in motion radially, and also to form a continuous electrical circuit by means of suitable wires between a fixed exterior point, to the moving parts of said table, a valve adapted to control the supply and exhaust of fluid to and from said motor, an electrical motor adapted to control said valve, wires leading from a battery to said electrical motor through said swivel-joint, a circuitcloser connected to said wires, a circuit-reverser connected to said wires, pipe to convey fluid to said main motor, and means by which power may be transmitted from said main motor to actuate said table, substantially as shown and described.

3. In a railway turn-table, the combination of the arch situated centrally upon the table, a swivel-joint upon said arch and adapted to form fluid ducts therethrough from fixed pipes to pipes movable upon the table, a fluidpressure motor and means for transmitting power to operate said table, pipes leading from an exterior point to said swivel-joint, electric wires leading from an exterior battery to said swivel-joint, a valve to control the flow of .iluids to and from said motor, pipes leading from said valve to said motor, pipes communicating between said swiveljoint and said valve,an electrical motoradapted to operate said valve, said electrical motor being reversible and having its central shaft connected by means of suitable gearing to a stem attached to said valve, wires communicating between said swivel-joint and said electrical motor, the battery, the circuitcloser, the circuit-reverser, a fluid-pressure cylinder, a slidable latch to secure said table by en gagem ent in bulkhead-pockets and having its rear portion adapted to form a pistonrod and entering said lluid-pressu re cylinder, a packed piston on said piston-rod working in said cylinder, packing at the head of said cylinder around said rod, means for normally forcing said latch into bulkhead-pockets, a latch-valve adapted to be automatically operated by fiuid-pressure to admit fluid to said latch-cylinder to withdraw the said latch from engagement automatically in advance of the movement of said table, pipes communicating between the port-pipes of said motor and said latch-valve and between said latch-valve and said la-tcl1-cylinder,and means by which fluid maybe automatically exhausted from said latch-cylinder, substantially as shown and described.

4-. The combination of the turn-table, the motor comprising a cylinder having an inletport at each end, the piston terminating in a rack-bar suitably supported, gearing adapted to connect with said rack-bar and transmit power to actuate said table, the circular rack secured to the pit-bottom and in engagement with said gearings, the central arch upon said table, the electric motor, the main valve controlled by said motor, port-pipes between said valve and said cylinder, the latch-valve in communication with both of said port-pipes and adapted to operate automatically when pressure exists in either port-pipe to admit fluid to a latch-cylinder, a latch normally thrust outward to engage bulkhead-pockets, a latch-cylinder in communication with said latch-valve and adapted to receive iluid under pressure to withdraw said latch, a valve to automatically release the fluid from said latch-cylinder, the swivel-joint 011 said arch, the pipes and electric wires leading to and therefrom and suitably connected, and a supply-pipe leading to said main valve, substantially as shown and described.

5. In a turn-table, the combination with a suitable central support, of a swivel-j oint consisting of the base provided with the packingbox, and having the outlets adapted to receive pipe connections, the ease secured centrally upon said base and having the central aperture in its top, the ball-race at the top of said case and the balls therein, the tube passing through the top of said case and terminating therein, the packed piston at the lower end of said pipe and provided with the ballbearing against the top of said case, a collar adj ustably secured to said pipe and provided with the ball-bearing against said case, the interior pipe passing through said first-mentioned pipe and terminating in said base, and means by which the upper end of said pipes may be connected to form separate d ucts, substantially as described and set forth.

(5. In a turn-table, the combination of the arch, the swivel-joint thereon, the fluid-pipes leading to said joint, the electric wires leading to said joint and connected to a battery, the circuitcloser, the circuit-reverser adapted to reverse the circuit over said wires, the electric motor adapted to operate in either di rection and having an extended shaft provided with a screw-worm, a worm-wheel suitably supported engaging said worm and having a central opening provided with screwthreads, a main fluid-controlling Valve having a stem provided with screw-threads and passing through the center of said wormwheel, and a motor adapted to actuate said turn-table and in communication with said main valve, substantially as shown and described. p

7. In a turn-table, the combination with the bulkhead having suitable pockets, of the latch-bar suitably supported by said turn-table and adapted to engage said pockets and having the eiztended rear end forming a piston-rod, the cylinder suitably supported on said table at the rear of said latch-bolt and having a packed head through which said piston-rod enters, the piston onsaid pistonrod within said cylinder, the spring seated between said piston and the opposite end of said cylinder, the pipe connected to said cylinder, the latch-valve connected to said pipe, the supply-pipes connected to said latch-valve and to'the main operating-motor, the main valve, with means by which it may be supplied with fluid and controlled, substantially as shown and described.

8. Ifi a turn-table, the combination of a motor-cylinder secured to the frame thereof and situated parallelto the main beams between one end and the pivotal center of said table, said cylinder having a port and connecting port-pipe at each end thereof and a piston working in said cylinder, the piston-rod attached tosaid pistonv and passing through the packed head of said cylinder toward said pivotal center, theirack-bar attached to the outer end of said piston-rod and suitably supported, the gearing connected to said rackbar and supported by the opposite end of said table, the circular rack anchored in the pit and engaged by said gearing, the main valve having its chamber connected to saidportpipes, the stem connected to said main valve, the electrical motor connected operatively to said stem, the swivel-joint providing conductors for fluid and electricity, and the connecting pipes and wires, substantially as shown and described. I

9. The combination with the main motor and gearing, of the port-pipes, the main valve,

the electric motor, thesWivel-joint and supply pipes and wires connectedtherewith, the

latch-valve in communication with said portpipes and adapted'to, operate automatically as described, the latch-cylinder in communication with said latch-valve,and the latch connected to said latch-cylinder, substantially as shown and described.

10. In a turn-table, the combination. of a main motor or engine, the port-pipes leading 'thereto, the main valve connected to said port-pipes, the electric motor adapted to operate said main valve, the arch, the swiveljoint thereon provided with fluid-ducts therethrough and having contact rings and brushes adapted to convey an electrical circuit continuously while said swivel-joint is in operation, the wires connected therewith, and the fluid-pipes-adapted to supply fluid underposed between said pistons, ports adapted to be closed or opened by said pistons, said ports being connected and having a communicating pipe, and the latch having the connected cylinder in connection with said communicating pipe, and means by which said supplypipes maybe charged with fluid and the same released, substantially as shown and described.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence oftwo witnesses.

JOHN H. HARTING.

Witnesses: g

E. T. SILVIUS, M. D. HENDERSON. 

